Take a moment to read their stories and see what drives them to continue in place-based work.
Happy International Women’s Day! Since 1911, March 8th has marked a special occasion to applaud the endeavors and accomplishments of women. Today, we embrace the same spirit of honor by recognizing the substantial contributions and a few remarkable heroines within our team at FCS.
Cynthia McNeal – Director of Mixed-Income Housing
“I truly enjoy bringing the community together. The impact we’re able to make in the neighborhood is indescribable. It gives my heart great pleasure and joy to work with individuals who are so uniquely divine.”
She dreams of investing in even more rentals, homeownership and assisting neighbors with home repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Andrea Thomas – Office Coordinator
“What I love about FCS is how family-oriented it is here at FCS,” Andrea says. She carries this relational spirit with her every day. She’s the first smiling face that welcomes every visitor to our headquarters!
Michelle Witherspoon – Youth Development Coordinator
Michelle arrived in Historic South Atlanta nearly nine years ago as a youth group worker with a local church. She built deep relationships with the families nearby and continues to run the South Atlanta Youth Group today. “I believe youth in South Atlanta deserve a safe third space that’s just for them,” she says.
The kids continually inspire her. “They remind me that it’s worth taking the risk of trusting someone different than me,” she says.
Danielle Clay – Director of Financial Administration
“I deeply believe in our mission to partner with the South Atlanta community,” Danielle shares. Her mother grew up with her family in the South Atlanta Community in the 1950s on Thayer Avenue. It gives Danielle great joy to know that she is serving the community where her mother grew up.
As the leader of our Finance and Administration, Danielle keeps our processes streamlined, efficient, and sustainable.
Alexei Stokes – Operations Manager
“I remember finding it so refreshing to work with an organization that worked with the community and really listened to neighbors about what would make a difference in their lives,” Alexei remembers.
When she came into her role at FCS, she sought to deepen the relationship she has with neighbors in South Atlanta—something she still pursues today.
Candice Kelly – Lupton Center Account Manager
As an Atlanta native, Candice appreciates FCS’ commitment to ensuring we come alongside our neighbors so their voices are heard. “FCS puts neighbors in a position to empower themselves to flourish. It’s crucial to address the root causes of a community’s challenges, not just make temporary fixes.” The root cause is what Candice prioritizes!
In her position, she’s pivotal in providing support to Changemakers so they flourish. We’re grateful for all of her wisdom and change-making!
Mikayla Santos – Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator
Mikaya first joined FCS as a summer fellow and decided she never wanted to stay for the long term—an aspect of FCS’ work she took to heart. “I wanted an opportunity that aligned with my passion of seeking long-term solutions to concerns,” she expressed.
We’re delighted she wanted to stay to continue pursuing place-based work that supports South Atlanta neighbors.
Breauna Dorelus – Lead Trainer and Consultant
Passionate about sustainability in her work, Breauna intends for her work to have a long-lasting impact. Place-based work holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a way for people to work on the solutions right where they are,” she says.
Her careful and thorough approach to training and consulting results in work that prioritizes neighbors and neighborhood flourishing. She reflects, “It’s not a power struggle—you move at the pace of trust.” We’re so thankful for her care and continued dedication to South Atlanta.
